Police in Jakarta used tear gas and water cannons to disperse hundreds of demonstrators attempting to break into Indonesia’s parliament building on Monday. The protesters called for salary cuts for legislators, accusing them of excessive pay and perks for legislators.
Some of the demonostrators, many wearing dark clothing, threw rocks and set off fireworks, while at least one motorcycle was set on fire. Although authorities did not report on casualties, arrests, or the extent of damage, the unrest highlighted growing dissatisfaction with the country’s political elite.
According to reports, one of the groups that organised the protest, was Gejayan Memanggil - formed by students in the Yogyakarta province - who were angry over the salaries of parliamentarians, which local media reported to be upwards of 100 million rupiah ($6,150) per month, including a substantial housing allowance. This sum is far higher than the national average income of 3.1 million rupiah ($190.68) prompting accusations of inequality.
Demonstrators also voiced their opposition to what they described as “corrupt elites” within the government, particularly criticising policies that they believe benefit powerful conglomerates and the military.
The protests coincided with increasing concerns over the growing role of the military in civilian life under President Prabowo Subianto, a former general.
Some of the protesters were seen on TV carrying a flag from the Japanese manga series "One Piece", which has become a symbol of protest against government policies in the country.
Jakarta police deployed 1,250 officers to maintain security around the parliament building. While the parliament’s speaker, Puan Maharani, said she would accommodate public aspirations, there was no immediate response from other government officials, including a spokesperson for Prabowo.
The unrest in Jakarta is the latest in a series of protests in Indonesia, where public frustration with political elites has been growing.
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